NYSOEA

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from NYSOEA, Nonprofit Organization, 17 Liberty Street, PO Box 216, Chelsea, Wappingers Falls, NY.

The New York State Outdoor Education Association (NYSOEA) is the professional membership organization supporting outdoor and environmental education and interpretive services in New York State since 1968.

08/21/2026

🌱 Registration is open for the 58th Annual NYSOEA Conference! lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cqfpd2u/lp/f02de392-5f01-47e5-adea-be4f85de067a

📍November 5–8, 2026 at Silver Bay YMCA for “From the Ground Up: Growing Knowledge Through Nature and Community.”

🧠Spend the weekend learning, sharing ideas, building connections, and exploring alongside environmental and outdoor educators from New York State and beyond.

🌳With engaging workshops, professional development, and plenty of opportunities to connect with our community, there’s lots to look forward to this November!

👀Learn more about the conference:
https://www.nysoea.org/annual-conference.html

08/11/2026

🌱 The NYSOEA 58th Annual Conference workshop lineup is here!

👀 Conference preview: nysoea.org/uploads/1/2/4/9/124929310/58th_annual_conference_workshops.pdf

🌳Take a peek at this year’s workshop offerings, featuring hands-on learning and opportunities to connect, create, and explore the beautiful trails and lake shore at Silver Bay YMCA.

This year, workshops are organized into five conference strands:

🌎 Outdoors is for All: Equity, Access, and Inclusion
🔬 Eco-STEM: Science for People and Place
🎨 Creative Roots: Nature-Based Art Practices
🥾 Mud and Movement: Adventure Learning and Wild Play
💚 Nurturing Minds: Sharing Stories and Practices

⏰ Don’t forget: early bird registration pricing ends Sept. 7! Save your spot...and save a little while you’re at it: lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cqfpd2u/lp/f02de392-5f01-47e5-adea-be4f85de067a

07/25/2026

👀Nominate: nysoea.org/awards.html

🏆Would you like to nominate and recognize someone for their contribution to outdoor and environmental education?

⭐️NYSOEA has a variety of awards to acknowledge the achievements to the environmental field.

⏳Applications are due by September 1, 2026.

07/06/2026

🐣Awww yeah Early bird conference registration is OPEN!!

✅ Sn**ch early bird pricing while you still can lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cqfpd2u/lp/f02de392-5f01-47e5-adea-be4f85de067a

📍 Nov. 5-8, 2026. Silver Bay, NY. Adirondacks.

👀More about the conference in general More about the conference, “Growing Knowledge Through Nature and Community” nysoea.org/annual-conference.html

07/02/2026

🐣Early bird conference registration opens July 6!!

🪶Watch the conference link like a hawk: nysoea.org/annual-conference.html This is the best conference price all year.

📅 Conference Dates: November 5-8, 2026
🍁 Silver Bay YMCA Conference & Family Retreat Center at Silver Bay, NY
🐦 Early Bird Registration opens July 6

✨From Nov. 5 to Nov. 8, outdoor and environmental educators from across New York State will converge at the YMCA’s Conference & Family Retreat Center at Silver Bay, NY for NYSOEA’s 58th annual conference: From the Ground Up: Growing Knowledge Through Nature and Community.

🔥We’re talking professional development and networking by day, scholarship fund auction and campfires by night. It’s the best weekend of the year!

06/24/2026

🪷NYSOEA Central Region Members are getting together for an Invasive Japanese Stiltgrass Pull on August 15, 9am to 1pm at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

👀Registration link: audubon.org/events?title=Marsh&view_type=row&location=Montezuma+Audubon+Center

🥪Lunch provided.

🌾Together, we will hopefully knock back the stiltgrass in this magnificent place the central region of NYSOEA knows as so much more than “the big eagle on the thruway.” It’s a wetland haven for thousands of species!

06/18/2026

✨Conference Committee Spotlight✨

🌳 Each week, we’re introducing more of the people helping shape the conference and bring to life our theme, From the Ground Up: Growing Knowledge Through Nature and Community.

💎We’re incredibly grateful for the additions of Joy, Anna, and India. All three are newer to NYSOEA conference experience and their contributions are incredible!
�💡Conference committee members help with much more than event planning. Subcommittees review workshop proposals, get the word out, gear up for early bird registration, and develop exciting evening activities to make your conference experience unforgettable.

🧊 This Week’s Icebreaker:�If you could swap lives with a book character for a day, who would it be and why?

Joy Demarse, Teacher (retired)�“If I could swap lives with a fictional character for a day, it would probably be Jo March from Little Women. I first read Little Women when I was in fifth grade, and Jo March has stuck with me all these years. I admire her independence, her strength, her creativity and her devotion to her family. And if I couldn’t be Jo, then I might enjoy being Violet Sorrengail for a day because I would love to fly on a dragon and wield lightning.”

India Adolfsson, Graphic Designer�“Unfortunately I read a lot of books where bad things happen, so this is a really difficult question. Although this novel is set in a dark future affected by climate change, AI, and overfishing, I think I’d like to swap lives with Dr. Ha Nguyen from The Mountain in the Sea, by Ray Nayler. Dr. Nguyen is studying a new hyper-intelligent species of octopus and explores how we could identify language, symbolism, and culture in a brain that is completely alien to us.”

Anna Sweet, Fenimore Art Museum ()�“If I could swap lives with a book character I would have to tap into my middle school self and choose Bella from Twilight (or more specifically from Breaking Dawn) by Stephanie Meyer because who wouldn’t want to experience having awesome vampire powers and being married to Edward and best friends with Alice for a day.”

❤️A big thank you to these three for their contributions to the conference committee! Contact [email protected] to get in on the action.

06/16/2026

☀️The conference journey begins before the main event!

🥾Learn about our exciting pre-conference activities designed to help participants connect, collaborate, and gain valuable insights ahead of conference registration.

🌱These activities provide the perfect opportunity to build connections, exchange ideas, and maximize your conference experience from day one.

🌲Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course
Challenge yourself in the Adirondack forest canopy with treetop obstacle courses, rope swings, suspension bridges, and ziplines designed for fun, teamwork, and adventure. Participants can choose from a variety of courses suited to different comfort and skill levels while enjoying breathtaking forest views.

🦅Silver Bay YMCA Trail Hike
Explore the scenic trails of Silver Bay with a guided group hike featuring beautiful woodland paths and stunning views of Lake George. This activity is perfect for attendees looking to connect with others while enjoying an active outdoor experience.

🔥Hot Things About Campfires
Join George Steele for an engaging campfire experience exploring safe fire building, meaningful campfire programs, and creative outdoor cooking techniques. This mostly seated session offers practical skills, ideas, and traditions that can be applied to camps, outdoor programs, and community gatherings.

🦝Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
Discover the natural beauty of the Adirondacks through interactive exhibits, a natural history museum, and a guided hike to a panoramic Lake George overlook. This relaxed outdoor experience combines environmental learning, scenic exploration, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants.

📅 Stay tuned for the full conference schedule and workshop details. We look forward to welcoming you and making the most of this exciting networking opportunity together!

🐣...and don’t forget! Early bird registration begins July 6.

06/12/2026

✨Conference Committee Spotlight: Round 4✨

🌳We’re excited to introduce more of the dedicated individuals who are helping create an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees. From coordinating social media posts to supporting event logistics, their contributions make a difference every step of the way.

✨This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Hannah, Conrad, and Dorrie, recognizing the creativity and commitment they bring to the conference team.

💡Committee Fun Fact:
One of the best parts of serving on the conference committee is the opportunity to connect with professionals from different backgrounds and career stages, share new ideas, and collaborate on creating meaningful experiences for attendees. The planning process often sparks new friendships, professional connections, and creative solutions that extend well beyond the conference itself.

This Week’s Icebreaker: 🔥If you had to choose to manipulate one natural element, what would it be and why?🌊

Hannah Young, Mine Kill State Park (Mine Kill State Park)

“I would choose fire. I am a passionate, fiery person (I’m a Leo). Many see fire as destructive, but I see it as life. It warms our homes, cooks our food, and can wipe the slate clean for new growth.”

Conrad Baker, NY State Parks & Historic Sites, Genesee Region (Letchworth State Park, Genesee Valley Greenway State Park, youtube.com/?si=kTQDQpU14A1kUf9I)

”I would go earth. The garden would explode with food to share. Invasives wouldn’t stand a chance. Oh sorry, did your soil temporarily get too acidic?”

⭐️Thank you to Hannah, Conrad, and Dorrie for their contributions to this year’s conference planning efforts. Their work and commitment help support the development of a valuable and successful conference experience for attendees.

✉️If you are interested in volunteering or supporting this year’s conference, please contact [email protected] for more information about available opportunities.

06/05/2026

✨ Conference Committee Spotlight: Round 4 ✨

🌳Another week, another chance to meet the amazing people helping shape this year’s conference experience! From behind-the-scenes logistics to creative brainstorming and problem-solving, every committee member plays an important role in bringing the conference to life.

✨This week, we’re excited to spotlight Bradley, Claudia, and Meaghan and celebrate the energy, ideas, and collaboration they bring to the team!

Nature Q&A

🌲🎵 “What is your favorite tree, and what kind of music do you think they would like?” 🎵🌲

Bradley Rickman, Earthworks Center for Youth (Earthworks)

“My favorite tree would have to be an old apple tree. Perfect climbing branches and food for the long stay if need be. If they liked music I believe it would be Caribbean music because of the sweet smell they give off.”

Claudia Nusstein, Genesee County Parks (Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry)

“My favorite tree is the Eastern Red Cedar, or Juniper! I love them because they are a pioneer species. They grow in unique places and are often much older than you would think based on their size. They can make the best out of not great conditions and still grow for hundreds of years. They would definitely like classical music, something old like they are with lots of wind instruments.”

Meaghan Boice- Green, Reinstein Woods (Reinstein Woods)

“My favorite tree is the horse chestnut, because in spring it looks like a Christmas tree covered in lit candles. So it would listen to Christmas music, of course!”

Thank you to Bradley, Claudia, and Meaghan for their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences throughout this year’s conference planning process. For opportunities to volunteer and support this year’s conference, please email [email protected].

Address

17 Liberty Street, PO Box 216, Chelsea
Wappingers Falls, NY
12512

Telephone

+18452883444

Website

http://www.nysoea.org/, https://www.nysoea.org/annual-conference.html, https://www.nysoea.org/awards.html

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